US firm's new turbofan engine to power next-gen loyal wingman drones

Honeywell Aerospace has introduced the HON6000, a high-performance turbofan engine specifically designed to power uncrewed platforms such as Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), also known as “loyal wingmen.” These drones are intended to support crewed fighter jets by drawing enemy fire, conducting reconnaissance, and performing electronic warfare, thereby reducing risk to human pilots. The HON6000 engine offers a high power-to-weight ratio, thrust, responsiveness, and durability tailored for medium-sized CCAs operating in demanding combat environments. It complements Honeywell’s existing SKYSHOT1600 engine, which serves smaller CCA platforms. The HON6000’s affordability and reliability are key features, making it suitable for expendable, high-risk missions where cost-effectiveness is critical. Leveraging proven technologies from Honeywell’s extensive 50-year legacy in turbine propulsion, the engine supports scalable deployment of CCAs that maintain formation and mission discipline alongside manned fighters. The U.S. Air Force has selected General Atomics and Andur